IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science (IOSR-JHSS)

Volume 20, Issue 7, Ver. I (July 2015), PP 95-100

e-ISSN: 2279-0837, p-ISSN: 2279-0845.
www.iosrjournals.org

The School Administrator and Conflict Management in Nigeria

Pastor (Dr.) Paul Nwakpa
Department Educational Foundations Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki Nigeria.

Abstract: This paper examined the root causes of conflicts and how they can be prevented, managed and
resolved. God originally planned in His creation that people should live in peace and harmony with mutually
beneficial relationship of giving and receiving based upon common values and purpose. And it is the desire of
people to live in a world of peace and harmony but the reality today is that almost in every nation there is
conflict. The origin of conflict is (raced to the fall of Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden. The first conflict in
human family is between Cain and Abel whereby Cain murdered Abel and since that time (ill today, conflict has
continued among humanity. Conflicts have been discussed in terms of infra-personal, inter-personal, infragroup, and inter-group as well as family conflicts and social conflicts. All issues involving Conflict prevention,
management and resolution are adequately discussed.

I.

Introduction

God's original plan in His creation is for people to live in peace and harmony based on the principle of
living for the sake of others. All dimensions of life express mutually beneficial relationship of giving and
receiving based upon common values and purpose. We first learn to share and live for others in our family. This
understanding of mutual benefit inherent in relationships is the basis for one of the universal principles of peace
building. All beings exist and act for the sake of a partner. This means that God created all things to move
towards the ideal through the operation of mutual relationships. When the individual serves the whole, the
whole benefits and so does the individual.
All people desire to live in a world of peace and harmony. But the reality of the world today is
tragically different. Today, we hear of wars in many nations of the world, for example, war in Afghanistan, Iraq,
Palestine and Israel, the Republic of Congo, Somalia, etc. Almost in every nation there is conflict. If the world is
to move towards a peaceful place to live in future, then, there is an urgent need to understand ways of resolving,
preventing and managing conflict.
Concept and Nature of Conflicts:
Conflict is said to occur when there is a baltle, struggle, contention, disagreement, opposition, war, etc
in an individual or between individuals, groups, states or nations. Conflicts can be viewed from the perspective
of intra-personal, interpersonal, intra-group or inter-group. Conflict can bring about positive or negative
consequences. For instance, it produces a negative outcome when it leads to open clash like riots or war which
leads to destruction. When conflict is viewed from industrial relation perspectives, it may lead to:
a) Decrease in productivity
b) Economic stagnation
c) Social disharmony and dislocation
d) From the positive perspective, conflicts lead to changes that improve upon a normal method of doing
things. It could lead to:
e) Improvement in welfare and in the conditions of services.
f) Transparency and accountability
g) Enhancement of political and social rights
h) Strengthening the productive capacity of an organization or society.
i) Promotes equal or fair sharing of societal resources.
j) Eliminates or minimize the domination of one person over another or one nation over another.
k) Helps parties to recognize each other's worth and pave way for reconciliation and peaceful co-existence,
thereby promoting the advancement of societal goals and objectives.
It is worth mentioning here that though, some conflicts bring about positive changes as itemized above,
however, the processes that bring about those conflicts hinged on the negative undertones.

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The School Administrator And Conflict Management In Nigeria

Causes of Conflicts: Under this section, we will look at the origin of conflicts; factors that promote conflict;
types of conflict; and the root causes of conflict. A full understanding of the above will help peace ambassadors
and managers of conflicts to diagnose, prevent, manage and/or resolve conflicts in order to pave way for
harmonious co-existence of individuals, groups, state and nations.
The Origin of Conflict:
The origin of conflict can be traced to the fail of Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden. God had
instructed them not to eat of the fruit of the tree at the center of the garden. Contrary to the instruction of God,
Satan deceived Eve and she ate of the fruit and gave some to Adam who also ate of the fruit. This disobedience
exposed both Adam and Eve to the knowledge of good and evil and they quickly realized that they were naked
and were ashamed and looked for a way to cover their private parts.
God's original ideal was (or man, woman and children lo grow together in obedience to God's word but
they disobeyed God antl consequently there was no longer normal relationship between man, woman and God.
The original love between man and woman became corrupted and misdirected within the relationship.
The effects of this corrupted love are self-centeredness, love debased and tainted, greed which is
seeking power and money, jealousy of others, delight in dominating others, and weakness and giving in to
temptation. It is also Ihe reason for marriage breakdown (that is infidelity, spousal abuse, child abuse and
neglect, and divorce.
The first conflict in human family is between Cain and Abel whereby Cain murdered Abel. Since that
human family's false start, conflict has continued among humanity.
Factors that Promote Conflict
a) The Economic Factor.
+ arc deprived of their entitlements lo favour another or others. This is most common when
government functionaries display callous favouritism in governmental expenditures that create imbalances. The
cry of marginalization, neglect, deprivation, etc, which is heard across the country is an expression of such
frustration.
b) The Social Factor.
Man being a social animal is bound lo live and interact freely with others. However, when sound
reasoning is side-stepped and emotionalism, fanaticism and extremism set into man's mind, he becomes difficult
lo control and the result is open conflict between him and others. Evidences of social conflict exist in every
social setup which tends to undermine peace and unity of the nation, and especially retards progress and
development.
c) The Political Factor.
This is the most important factor that promotes conflict in many nations especially the developing
nations. Political power is likened to honey and wine sweet and intoxicating. Quite a number of people,
groups or communities have devoted their time and energy to acquire and retain power in governance simply
because political power gives enormous control over the destiny of people and the resource in the land. Conflict
in political sphere occurs when in the quest for power, certain abnormalities are perpetrated. For instance,
abnormalities in the electoral processes, such as favouring one political group or camp to the detriment of
others, rigging of elections or manipulation of the state apparatus to one's advantage at the expense of others will
definitely create conflict.
The most common conflicts in Nigeria under this category include:- chieftaincy affairs; political
differences; boundary adjustments; environmental matters; students' unrests; land Disputes; labour; crisis;
marginalization; ethnicity; and tribalism. Others are inter-religious and intra-religious matters; security
problems; economic mismanagement; welfare difficulties; industrial disharmony; resource allocation; disregard
of authority, communication gap; rumours; discrimination, corruption; etc.
Types of Conflict:
Conflicts vary from intra-personal (within an individual) to a large extent (among nations). Conflicts can be
classified as follows:-

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The School Administrator And Conflict Management In Nigeria

a) Intra-Personal Conflicts: This type of conflict occurs within an individual and that is why it is often referred
to as ''conflict of conscience". Examples of this include:1.0 The use of time
2.0 The choice of a partner
3.0 Some moral questions
4.0 Taking either the mother's or father's advice
5.0 Stress
6.0 Anger
7.0 Self-hatred
8.0 Addiction
b) Inter-Personal Conflict: This is the type of conflict that occurs between two or more individuals. Examples:
1.0 Conflict between a man and his wife (marital tension)
2.0 Conflict between man, woman and children (family strife)
3.0 Conflict between man and mail (disputes with friends and neighbours)
4.0 Conflict at work place or school
c) Intra-Group Conflict: This is the type of conflict that occurs between individual within a group.
Examples: 1.0
Conflict in a political party 2.0
Conflict in workers unions
d) Inter-Group Conflict: This occurs between groups, associations, communities
or nations. Examples:
1.0
The ownership of crude oil deposit in Bakassi between Nigeria, Cameroon and United Nations
Organization (U.N.O).
2.0 Wars
3.0 Ethnic Tension
The Root Causes of Conflict
Every being has dual purposes. We have what is called "whole purpose" which benefits others and
"individual purpose'' which is concerned with self (the individual). The whole purpose is unselfish while the
individual purpose is selfish. When much attention is being given to the individual purpose without relating to
the whole purpose there is bound to be conflict and this is the genesis of selfishness. On the other hand when the
individual purpose relates with the whole purpose and vice versa there will be perfect relationship and peace
will reign - this is the fruit of unselfishness.
Conflict begins within the individual. There are two sides of an individual - the unselfish side and the
selfish side. These two phenomena throw a man into confusion and if the selfishness overshadows the
unselfishness, conflict is the result. However, if the reverse is the case then the man will have peace and he will
be at peace with others.
The Root Causes of Family Conflict:
When members pursue self-interest over the welfare of the family conflict is bound to occur. The root causes*
of such conflicts include:
a) Infidelity
b) Money issues
c) Sibling rivalry
d) Careerism
The Root Causes of Social Conflict
When groups and nation pursue self-interest over the greater good then there will be conflict. The root causes of
such conflict include:
a) Abuse of power
b) Ethnic tensions
c) Legal disputes
d) War
Generally, the root causes of conflict, whether family or social, is centered on the dividing line between good
and evil (unselfishness and selfishness).

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The School Administrator And Conflict Management In Nigeria

a) Unselfishness
Unselfishness is the basis of goodness and is centered on the principles of living for the sake of others.
The characteristics of unselfishness are self-control, service to humanity, fair-mindedness, generosity,
forgiveness, and humility. The fruit of unselfishness is True Love which is characterized by living for the sake
of others, unconditional giving (invest and forget), and forgiveness.
b) Selfishness
Selfishness is the basis of evil and is centered on the principles of living for oneself. The characteristics
of selfishness are lust, exploitation, prejudice, greed, vengeance and arrogance. The fruit of selfishness is False
Love which is characterized by living only for he sake of oneself, conditional giving {calculating reward), and
holding grudges.
It is worth mentioning here that false love is changeable and short-lived, is without principles of higher
purpose and is the fruit of weak character. Attitudes and actions based on false love promote conflict. False love
gives room for anger and jealousy, infidelity and promiscuity, disrespect and rebellion, and violence and
murder.
Prevention and Management of Conflict:
It is often stressed that justice is the balm that soothes any pain or injury. Justice is the key to any good
and harmonious relationship. Indeed il is the panacea for peace. To prevent conflict, justice must prevail. Justice
and fairness should be used as a yardstick for the prevention of family, economic, social and political conflicts.
Management of Conflicts:
Since human existence and society, conflicts continued to exist even though it is not our desire. As
individuals and collectively too, we need to pay attention to conflicts and how to effectively manage them. The
strategies needed for conflict management should be understood and applied accordingly when the situation
demands for it.
Neutrality should be observed in the course of managing conflicts. The task should be approached with
wisdom even as strategies are adopted. The following ways should be considered in the management of
conflicts:- compromise, collaboration and integration, accommodation, avoidance and competition.
a) Compromise: This is the process of give and take following a bargaining and negotiation that aims af
reaching solution that is acceptable to the conflicting parties. This approach is very useful in collective
bargaining between employer and employees.
b) Collaboration and Integration: this is the coming together of the conflicting parties to promote
organizational or group objectives and at the same time satisfying each other's objectives.
c) Accommodation: This is the process of allowing either (he stronger or the weaker party to behave the way
it wants with the hope that the party at fault may realize its mistakes and retract.
d) Avoidance: This is a case where one party in conflict acts as if the other partly has not provided it or done
it any damage whereas it actually has.
e) Competition: This is where each partly in conflict tries to compete with another legally or illegally and the
conflict will cease to exist when a winner emerges.
Ways of Resolving Conflicts
Let me ask this simple but sensitive question. Does fighting resolve conflict? The answer is yes and
no. Yes because at times fighting can be necessary for self-defense or to defend (he weak. And no because
fighting and defeating an enemy does not answer his grievances or end his hatred and also the defeated are
tempted to seek revenge later.
We should also know that settlements of conflict alone do not resolve conflicts. Genuine
reconciliation is needed and deep hostility must be resolved. In case of crisis, stop abuse or remove victim from
harm, conflict resolution then becomes possible.
Elements of Conflict Resolution
a) Unselfishness and Selfishness
b) Right and Wrong
c) Loving Relationship and Broken Relationship

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The School Administrator And Conflict Management In Nigeria

Basis for Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is based on moral and ethical values. One or both sides must uphold moral and
ethical principles. Both conflicting parties must be removed from the state of conflict to a state of harmony
through restoration. Indemnity conditions must be considered and efforts should be made to reverse the process
by which the original harmony was lost.
Steps in Conflict Resolution
Step 1: Reflection and Reorientation (Selfishness gives way for Unselfishness)
* Identify one's contribution to the problem
* Recognize how it affected the other's feeling
* Examine one's conscience and evaluate one's attitudes and behavior. (Recall moral and ethical values, such
as empathy, respect and responsibility)
* Consider how one might have dealt with the problem differently (what could be done better next lime)
* Decide to lake responsibility for one's contribution (o the conflict
* 'Plan how to make amends
Some character benefits can be achieved from this step and they include:
Releasing self-pride and guilt, (penetrates wall of denial and permits honesty in facing life) Enhances
compassion for others Promotes inner growth.
Step 2: Reversal and Restitution (\\rong gives way for Right)
Reverse whatever caused the other to feel hurt and violated
Make restitution to repair damage done
Be open to receive restitution
Correct injustice
The following level of restitution should be acceptable: Apology
Full payment of damages Greater restitution is required for repeated offenses
Both sides arc responsible to make the necessary efforts for restitution as assigning blame is not helpful.
Step 3: Reconciliation and Renewal (Broken Relationship gives way for Loving
Relationship):
Give up claim to retaliation
Forgive and be open to receive forgiveness
Resolve to help the other to change
Foster goodwill
The benefits of reconciliation and renewal include: Liberating the self from hatred and resentment Frees the
relationship to begin anew Opens the way to love.
Responsibilities of the Offender and the Offended
The offender should admit wrong, make restitution, and continue until forgiven while (he offended is to
consider o\\ n faults, accept restitution and forgive. It is important that the offender and the offended should
possess some virtues that support conflict resolution. They are humility, generosity and service.
a) Humility reverses arrogance that is admitting to not always being right and openness to learn from others.
b) Generosity reverses greed - that is giving beyond convenience and offering without conditions or
expectation of return.
c) Service reverses exploitation - that is act of caring to meet the need of others.
The greatest act of love is winning over one's enemy. Giving even to those who have done harm to one can
convert the enemy into a friend. This is capable of reversing ancient patterns of abuse and revenge.
Supports for Conflict Resolution (Mediation)
In conflict resolution, a mediator may be required. The mediator should be a neutral and trusted helper
outside the conflict. His duty is to aid both sides to find a basis for interaction and is thus only a facilitator. The
burden of reconciliation remains with both conflicting sides. However, Peace Ambassadors, in the course of
making peace between conflicting parties do bear some burden.

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The School Administrator And Conflict Management In Nigeria

a) Attitudes of Mediator
The attitudes of a good mediator include:
Concern for both sides
Affirms the value of both sides
Gains the trust from both sides that each is being treated fairly
Aim for a win - win outcome
Guides both sides beyond blame and accusation
b) Mediation Skills - Towards the Offender:
Help the offender accept responsibility
Encourage admission of wrong
Help the offender accept the challenge of restitution
Avoid labeling and blaming
Praise and offer a second chance
c) Mediation Skills - Towards the Offended:
Help the offended forgive and release grudges
Help the offended recognize own faults
Help the offended to accept apology
Foster harmony and friendship with the offender

II.

Conclusion

God's original plan in His creation is for people to live in peace and harmony with mutually beneficial
relationship of giving and receiving based upon common values and purpose. In this relationship, the individual
serves the whole, the whole benefits and so does the individual.
It is the desire of people to live in a world of peace and harmony but the reality today is that almost in
every nation there is conflict. Conflict has been viewed from the perspective of intra-personal, inter-personal,
intra-group or inter-group and can bring about positive or negative consequences.
The origin of conflict is traced to the fall of Adam and Eve at the Garden of Eden. Their disobedience
exposed them to the knowledge of good and evil, consequently the original love between man and woman
became corrupted and misdirected within the relationship.
The first conflict in human family is between Cain and Abel whereby Cain murdered Abel. Since that
time til! today the human family has been in conflict.
Conflicts have been classified as intra-personal, inter-personal, intra-group, and inter-group. They also
fall into two groups - family conflicts and social conflicts. The root causes- of conflict, whether family or social,
is centered on the dividing line between good and evil (unselfishness and selfishness). When members of a
family or groups and nations pursue self-interest over the welfare of the family or the greater good of the other,
conflict is bound to occur.
Conflict can be prevented and managed, depending on the knowledge and skills of the individual. The
applications of these depend on the type of conflict and situation within or between individuals and groups or
nations.
Justice and fairness are crucial in preventing conflicts and ensuring peace and tranquility which are the
basis for any meaningful progress and development. Neutrality should be observed in the course of managing
conflicts. The task should be approached with wisdom even as strategies are adopted.
In resolving conflict, at times fighting can be necessary for self-defense or to defend the weak. But
fighting and defeating an enemy does not answer his grievances or end his hatred and also the defeated are
tempted to seek revenge later. Also, settlements of conflict alone do not resolve conflicts. Genuine
reconciliation is needed and deep hostility must be resolved.

References
[1]. Baba,M.M. (2008). Conflict prevention and management. A paper presented at a one-day conference of the institutes of corporate
executives of Nigeria, Gombe, Gombe state.
[2]. Oko, J.I (2008). The root causes of conflict. A paper presented at a special capacity building workshop for ambassadors for peace,
Wuse Abuja.
[3]. Oko, J.I (2008). The resolution of conflict and peace making techniques. A paper presented at a special capacity building workshop
for ambassadors for peace, Wuse Abuja.

DOI: 10.9790/0837-207195100

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